The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees approved a pair of “income-producing contracts” for renting out several of its buildings.
The Illinois Department of Human Services will use the former credit union building, 322 W. University Dr. in Macomb for office space.
Joe Roselieb, WIU Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Auxiliary Services, said the renovation costs are built into the five-year lease, which is retroactive to September 1 and calls for DHS to pay the university $9,693 per month.
“At the end of five years, we will make the money back from the renovation plus I believe in the proximity of about $250,000 to $300,000 of revenue for the institution,” he said.
Roselieb said the building is on land owned by WIU, and the university purchased the facility for $1 when the credit union closed.
DHS had been renting space in Seal Hall, which is a much older building on the Macomb campus.
WIU has also agreed to lease Buildings A and B on its Quad Cities campus to the Moline-Coal Valley School District.
The 15-month contract begins on April 1, 2026.
The school district will pay the university $20,000 per month.
“Both of these are examples of symbiotic partnerships,” said WIU President Kristi Mindrup.
The school district will use the space to relocate students from Lincoln-Irving Elementary while it completes an expansion project at the school.
Mindrup said “Western is committed to a presence in the Quad Cities” and will continue to use Riverfront Hall on the campus.
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.
